The births of early or small babies are a major public health concern, because preterm birth and low birth weight are the primary causes of infant morbidity and mortality. Infants born too early...
Description
The births of early or small babies are a major public health concern, because preterm birth and low birth weight are the primary causes of infant morbidity and mortality. Infants born too early or too small potentially face huge emotional, social, health and financial burdens. This study analyzed records of live singleton births occurring in Alberta between 1997 and 2004 and associations between a number of maternal and infant indicators and preterm or low-birth-weight outcomes were considered. The goal was to understand the differing influences of the maternal and infant indicators on birth outcomes, with a particular emphasis on potentially modifiable factors. Reducing the rate of maternal prenatal smoking and delayed childrearing, in concert with promoting regular prenatal visits and prenatal education, are found to be the most likely routes to reducing adverse birth outcomes.